but de football
The English phrase "soccer goal" is translated into French as but de football.
In French, but de football refers to the physical structure that a player must kick the ball into to score a point in a soccer match. In the context of a match, the word but can refer to both the physical structure (the goal) and the point scored (the goal).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of but (goal/score), de (of) and football (soccer).
Which one should you use?
While but de football refers to the physical goal structure, but alone is often used to mean the score itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, add an s to the word but to form buts de football.
Did you know?
- The word but has a surprising connection to a 'log' or 'stump'. It evolved from a word meaning a target or mound, which likely originated from people practicing martial arts by hitting a wooden log.
- The French term but is used not only for sports but also to describe a personal life goal or an objective, such as le but de ma vie.
- French uses the English word football to describe the sport, but unlike American English, it refers exclusively to soccer rather than the gridiron game.
Examples in context
- Regardez ce superbe but de football !Look at that superb soccer goal!
- Le gardien protège son but de football.The goalkeeper protects his soccer goal.
- Le filet du but de football est déchiré.The soccer goal net is torn.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are at a local park watching a match.
- HugoEst-ce que le but de football est bien fixé ?Is the soccer goal properly secured?
- ManonOui, Hugo, il est très stable.Yes, Hugo, it is very stable.
- HugoParfait, les enfants peuvent jouer sans danger.Perfect, the children can play safely.
- ManonTu as raison, c'est plus prudent.You are right, it is safer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries but, de, football, CC BY-SA 4.0.
